Press Releases

RIDOT to hold workshops for seat belt education grants

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and the Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus announced today that they are seeking a third round of proposals from community- and faith-based organizations for seat belt education campaigns. The Department has pledged to make $1 million available over a four-year period for programs that increase seat belt usage statewide, including proper usage of child seats.

To explain the grant application process, RIDOT's Office on Highway Safety will hold three community workshops next week, the first scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, 2013. Information regarding this grant program is also posted on RIDOT's website at www.dot.ri.gov/highwaysafety/seatbeltgrants.asp. The workshop dates and locations are as follows:

• Wednesday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Rhode Island Indian Council, 807 Broad St., Providence

• Thursday, May 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Cape Verdean American Community Development Agency, 120 High St., Pawtucket

• Friday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Boys and Girls Club of Newport, 95 Church St., Newport

Interested parties must attend at least one of these meetings to be eligible for a grant. Awards range from $5,000 to $50,000.

The funds are made available by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and came with the passage of a primary seat belt law in 2011. The grant proposals will be evaluated by RIDOT and the Black and Latino Caucus Community Partnership, a non-profit organization consisting of community members working with members of the Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus.

Anyone with questions about the grant program or planning to attend a community workshop, should contact Elvys Ruiz at 401-222-3024, ext. 4441 or via email to elvys.ruiz@dot.ri.gov. Individuals requiring interpreting or hearing-impaired services, please inform Mr. Ruiz at least 72 hours prior to the community meeting.

The RIDOT Office of Highway Safety's (OHS) mission is to develop programs and activities that reduce the incidence of death and injury on Rhode Island roadways. Through public education, partnerships with public health officials, civic organizations, municipalities, law enforcement agencies and legislative leaders, the OHS advocates and promotes responsible motorist and pedestrian behavior.

The Black and Latino Caucus Community Partnership represents and advocates for the interests of disadvantaged people throughout the State of Rhode Island. It seeks to increase a diverse participation and representation in all levels of community leadership. Its ultimate goal is to close (and ultimately, to eliminate) disparities that still exist between White and Non-White Americans in every aspect of life.